For more than 60 years, Daphne Utilities has been serving this Daphne Community and surrounding areas on the Eastern Shore. We are committed to delivering an exceptional level of service while providing you with reliable, safe and high quality services. We are able to meet your needs and exceed your expectations only through the remarkable efforts of a dedicated team of employees and our passionate pursuit of excellence.

Where does our water come from?

The source of our drinking water is a natural underground reservoir called the Miocene Aquifer that encompasses an area of about 6,500 square miles in southwest Alabama and western Florida. The aquifer is recharged primarily through precipitation and discharge is primarily to streams, bays, sounds, and wells. At Daphne Utilities, we pump water from this aquifer through a series of 13 wells ranging in depth from 250-450 feet. We have the capacity to pump nearly 7 million gallons per day with an average daily withdrawal of approximately 3 million gallons of safe and clean drinking water.

Water Treatment Process

In our water treatment process, raw water is pumped from underground aquifers into an aeration chamber. Aerating the raw water adds Oxygen to it and helps eliminate certain naturally-occurring contaminants, such as iron. After aeration, Fluoride is added to promote good dental health, Lime is added to adjust the pH of the water to an optimum level and a Disinfectant is added to keep the water safe in the water lines all the way to the customer's home. The water and additives are mixed thoroughly inside a Clearwell, a large tank that allows mixing to be completed before entering the distribution system. Once the treated water meets all quality standards, high service pumps are used to move the water into Storage Tanks and then through the distribution system to the Customer.

Discolored Water

You may occasionally notice water from your tap that is cloudy, discolored, or containing gray sediment. The information here will tell you if and when it is recommended that you contact Daphne Utilities about these issues.

Sudden Discolored Water

If you are experiencing sudden discoloration of water, there may be some activity that has disturbed the direction or rate of flow in the City water main such as use of a fire hydrant or a water main valve in your vicinity. Discolored water typically comes from oxidized iron in the pipes. We recommend that you wait until it clears before drinking it. Try running the cold water for a few minutes to see if it is clearing or still discolored. If the water does not clear, let the water sit for 1 to 2 hours. Then run cold water for a few minutes in your bathtub or shower. If the water remains discolored, please contact our office at (251) 626-2628.

Yellow, orange, reddish, or brown water

If your neighbors' water is clear but you are experiencing discolored water just in your own residence, it may be due to plumbing within the building. This problem may occur first thing in the morning, or after periods of lower water use. It is also seen at seldom-used faucets. The water should clear after flushing the faucet briefly. The cause is most likely galvanized iron pumping in the building. It does not indicate that the plumbing is about to fail or that it needs to be replaced, unless there is also a noticeable reduction in water pressure.

If this is only occurring with hot water, flushing the hot water tank may help by clearing out the sediment in the bottom of the tank. Hot water increases the rate of corrosion in plumbing. You may want to consult a plumber for safety precautions.

Cloudy Water

Uncolored cloudy water - Cloudy water is usually caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to gas bubbles in carbonated beverages. Usually, this cloudiness occurs in the winter, when the drinking water is cold.

If you are noticing sputtering from the faucet (and have had recent plumbing work) it is probably the air trapped when the water refilled the empty plumbing. This should clear as the water is used.

Gray Sediment

Gray sediment, especially from the hot water tap, may be coming from the hot water tank which can be overheating. You may want to call a plumber if it continues. If the sediment consists of visible particles from the cold water tap and you have recently installed or replaced an in-line water filter, the material may be charcoal from the filter.

Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)

The Consumer Confidence Report Contains results from the most recent monitoring which was performed in accordance with the regulatory schedule.

2018 CCR Report
2019 CCR Report
2020 CCR Report
2021 CCR Report
2022 CCR Report
2023 CCR Report
2024 CCR Report

For more information:

• Read EPA's Understanding Your Annual Water Quality Report 
• Read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Guide to Understanding Your CCR
• Learn about the CCR rule and history
• Understand water system CCR requirements

Water Conservation